With the approaching month of July, it means the time for fireworks. We want to advise you on safety for yourself and your rental property in regards to fireworks. The base of safety for your property is clear communication in your lease and the best ways to avoid rental property damage. Although a popular part of many celebrations, fireworks have the potential to severely damage a rental property as well as injure tenants, their guests, and even nearby neighbors. The question of whether tenants will be allowed to include fireworks in their holiday celebrations is one that should be clearly addressed in a rental lease agreement.
Fireworks are a big part of many national holiday celebrations. In addition to large commercial or state-funded displays, the popularity of consumer fireworks has continued to increase. At the same time, the size and firepower of consumer fireworks have also grown, creating products that are both widely available and extremely dangerous. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), fireworks start an average of 18,500 fires every year. Fireworks also result in thousands of injuries; in 2017 alone, 12,900 people were treated in hospital emergency rooms for burns and other injuries caused by fireworks. These statistics show that despite their popularity, fireworks have the potential to cause unintended damage and injury just about anywhere.
In order to reduce the likelihood of a spark and spike of damages from fireworks on one of your rental properties, it is important to make sure your tenants know the risks involved. For example, it is key to inform tenants of any local or state laws regulating the use of consumer fireworks on residential properties. It is also a good idea to educate them on the basics of fire safety, including recent data on fire-related accidents and injuries. Property owners should also insist that their tenant obtain renters insurance in the event that something unexpected does occur. Landlord insurance will cover most kinds of damage to the structure, but if the damage extends to the tenant’s personal property or the tenant injures themselves or others, they will need their own policy coverage usually through renter’s insurance.
In addition to providing tenants with information, one of the simplest and direct way to minimize fireworks is clear and specific language in your lease agreement. No matter what state or local law allows, the property owner has the last word on whether fireworks will be permitted on their rental property. Making it clear to tenants that fireworks are not allowed in the lease can go a long way toward preventing property damage and give property owners a legal recourse in the event that tenants choose not to comply.
Maintaining good tenant relations while setting clear lease terms and consequences for ignoring safety precaution in regards to fireworks safeguards yourself legally and your property. It also takes up a lot of time and, as they say, time is money. Real Property Management can assist property owners with tenant relations, not to mention lease language and ensuring compliance. We have been around the block a time or two and assist in crafting a lease agreement that addresses all your needs with clarity. We take care of your property and your tenant for you, freeing you to spend your valuable time elsewhere.
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